Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in their opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle. Egypt took a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute when Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour fired a 20-yard strike into the bottom corner after receiving a through pass from Mohamed Salah. The goal came during Salah's 34th birthday, adding significance to the moment, as Egypt looked to secure a rare World Cup victory. Egypt nearly extended their advantage before halftime when Mostafa Zico's shot was tipped behind by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Salah also had a header saved in the second half, with Ashour failing to convert the rebound.
Belgium equalised in the 66th minute following a defensive error by Mohamed Hany. Substitute Romelu Lukaku applied pressure, forcing Hany to deflect Thomas Meunier's low cross into his own net. The goal came seconds after Lukaku entered the pitch, underlining the immediate impact of the change made by Belgium manager Rudi Garcia. Prior to the equaliser, Kevin de Bruyne, Hany's club teammate at Al Ahly, had struck the outside of the post from a free-kick as Belgium began to dominate possession. Egypt, the seven-time African Cup of Nations champions, have still not won a World Cup match since their debut in 1934. The draw marks only their third time avoiding defeat in nine World Cup appearances.
Mohamed Hany's own goal, forced by pressure from Romelu Lukaku seconds after the substitute entered the pitch, erased the lead Egypt had built through Emam Ashour's strike. The result keeps Egypt winless in World Cup history, extending their drought to nine matches across eight decades despite moments of promise. Ashour's goal and Salah's assist offered brief hope, but the failure to hold on again exposed the team's fragility under pressure. No African angle applies.
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